LIFE WITH BIG BROTHER

Congress renews surveillance law

Measure grants feds ability to eavesdrop for 5 more years

Published: 12/28/2012 at 12:25 PM

(WASHINGTON POST) Congress approved a measure Friday that would renew expansive U.S. surveillance authority for five more years, rejecting objections from senators who are concerned the legislation does not adequately protect Americans’ privacy.

The bill passed the Senate 73 to 23. The House approved it in September and President Obama is expected to sign it before the current authority expires on Monday.

The lopsided Senate vote authorized a continuation of the government’s ability to eavesdrop on communications involving foreign citizens inside the United States without obtaining a specific warrant for each case. The surveillance has been credited with exposing several plots against U.S. targets, but also drawn fire from civil liberties advocates.